Officials Outline Cybercom 2.0 Plans, Debate New Cyber Force

The Department of Defense is updating how it prepares for cyber operations through Cybercom 2.0, a new force generation model introduced in late 2025. Officials say this approach is necessary to improve recruitment, training, and retention of personnel tasked with defending U.S. interests in cyberspace.

While the concept of creating a separate cyber service is still under discussion, leaders are focusing their attention on implementing this updated system within Cyber Command.

During a Senate Armed Services Subcommittee hearing, key Pentagon officials stated that Cybercom 2.0 is designed to operate regardless of whether Congress later approves the creation of a dedicated Cyber Force.

Officials described Cybercom 2.0 as a way to replace outdated procedures not designed for digital operations and to ensure the department can respond to threats with personnel better prepared and more consistently supported.

Why It Matters: The Department of Defense continues to face difficulties in hiring and keeping skilled cyber personnel. Without meaningful changes, U.S. cyber operations risk falling behind those of countries with more flexible and focused approaches. Decisions made now will determine whether the United States is able to maintain its ability to prevent and respond to cyber attacks in the years ahead.

• Cybercom 2.0 Changes How Cyber Talent Is Identified and Supported: Officials explained that older personnel systems were developed for traditional military roles and do not align with the specific needs of cyber operations. The updated model introduces procedures that allow the department to find and develop individuals with relevant technical expertise and assign them to roles based on mission demands rather than service branch. These changes also involve improved career support and more consistent retention incentives.

• Current Efforts Do Not Depend on the Outcome of the Cyber Force Discussion: Katie Sutton, the Department of Defense’s principal cyber advisor, told lawmakers that Cybercom 2.0 can function under the existing structure or under a new one if Congress authorizes a Cyber Force in the future. Sutton emphasized that the current focus is on fixing problems related to personnel development, regardless of how the organization is structured in the long term. She noted that implementation of the new model should move forward without delay.

• Senior Commanders Described the 2027 Timeline as a Key Planning Factor: Lt. Gen. William Hartman stated that when analyzing different options for improving cyber capabilities, the department considered how quickly changes could take effect. He said Cybercom 2.0 offered the best chance to deliver a reliable workforce within the timeframe considered necessary. The focus is on building digital units that are ready to conduct missions under conditions where speed, coordination, and operational clarity are vital.

• Opinions Differ on Whether a New Cyber Branch Is Necessary: Some experts have said that a standalone Cyber Force is the only way to ensure focused leadership, clear budgeting authority, and a dedicated talent pipeline. Others, including Army Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd, have called for patience and suggested that current reforms be given time to produce measurable outcomes. Rudd indicated that further analysis is required before supporting any permanent organizational change.

• Legislative Decisions Will Shape the Direction of Future Cyber Operations: Congress has the authority to create a new military service, as it did with the establishment of the Space Force. Advocates for a Cyber Force have urged lawmakers to act within the current administration’s term so that leadership remains stable during implementation. Any decision to stand up a new branch would likely take years to complete, and would require a detailed transition plan supported by consistent funding.

Go Deeper -> Senior DOD officials back Cybercom 2.0, as Cyber Force debate continues to churn – DefenseScoop